July 20th

Today was checkout day from the campground, with 11:00am being the absolute latest you could actually leave without having to pay for another night. We experienced some more rain off and on throughout the morning, but the storm passed through the area fairly quickly. We had originally planned on visiting Fort Michilimackinac on Monday with the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, but everything got bumped back during that day due to rain as well. So, we were left with the option of skipping this fort altogether, or going today and hoping for the best with the weather. Thankfully we only had a few sprinkles to deal with after we arrived at the fort, and no serious downpours. We spent most of our time wandering in and out of the various buildings, as well as watching a few demonstrations, such as the cannon firing, a dance line in the open area, and a wedding. Overall everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, although I think that the kids could come up with other places to visit next time as opposed to either of the two forts. I enjoy history, so I find them interesting. Enjoy the pics!

Fort Michilimackinac
	A look at the Mackinac Bridge as the storm passed through.
	The indian campsite was set up, but no indians could be found as the storm approached. They smartly moved to where they could easily stay dry.
	Another look at the indian campsite.
	The first building you see as you enter the fort.
	A look at a typical canoe that would have been used by the fur traders of the era.
	One of the indians staying dry while talking to the British soldiers.
	A look at the history of the fort, starting with the era from 1715 to 1730's...
	...and then from the 1730's to 1744...
	...and 1744 to 1761...
	...and now from 1761 to 1779...
	...and finally from 1779 to 1781.
	On the wall to the right is a bunch of historic items whose uses are unknown. The "Mysteries" book is for people to write down what it was they thought these items were for. Samantha had an idea for a couple of the items, so she took it upon herself to let them know...
	A shot of Sammie in front of the "Mysteries" book that she had just finished writing in.
	The ladies in this house were spinning yarn. Here Sam got a chance to work with the raw wool.
	Another look at Sam working the wool as the lady on the right works on spinning it.
	These characters were taking care of the food from the garden...
	...while this lady helped some visitors churn butter.
	The organ inside the church.
	Here is the butter lady explaining to Samantha, Drew, and Tyler what life would have been like for a child their age back in that period of history. Sam would have helped with the household chores, like churning butter...
	...while Tyler and Drew would have been hunting and fishing to help provide food for the whole village.
Please click here for page two of the photos

Fort Michilimackinac

A look at the Mackinac Bridge as the storm passed through.

The indian campsite was set up, but no indians could be found as the storm approached. They smartly moved to where they could easily stay dry.

Another look at the indian campsite.

The first building you see as you enter the fort.

A look at a typical canoe that would have been used by the fur traders of the era.

One of the indians staying dry while talking to the British soldiers.

A look at the history of the fort, starting with the era from 1715 to 1730's...

...and then from the 1730's to 1744...

...and 1744 to 1761...

...and now from 1761 to 1779...

...and finally from 1779 to 1781.

On the wall to the right is a bunch of historic items whose uses are unknown. The "Mysteries" book is for people to write down what it was they thought these items were for. Samantha had an idea for a couple of the items, so she took it upon herself to let them know...

A shot of Sammie in front of the "Mysteries" book that she had just finished writing in.

The ladies in this house were spinning yarn. Here Sam got a chance to work with the raw wool.

Another look at Sam working the wool as the lady on the right works on spinning it.

These characters were taking care of the food from the garden...

...while this lady helped some visitors churn butter.

The organ inside the church.

Here is the butter lady explaining to Samantha, Drew, and Tyler what life would have been like for a child their age back in that period of history. Sam would have helped with the household chores, like churning butter...

...while Tyler and Drew would have been hunting and fishing to help provide food for the whole village.